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Publisher's Summary

Here is the culminating volume in Richard Rhodes's monumental and prizewinning history of nuclear weapons, offering the first comprehensive narrative of the challenges faced in a post-Cold War age.

The past 20 years have transformed our relationship with nuclear weapons drastically. With extraordinary depth of knowledge and understanding, Rhodes makes clear how the five original nuclear powers-Russia, Great Britain, France, China, and especially the United States-have struggled with new realities. He shows us how the stage was set for a second tragic war when Iraq secretly destroyed it's nuclear infrastructure and reveals the real reasons George W. Bush chose to fight a second war in Iraq. We see how the efforts of U.S. weapons labs laid the groundwork for nuclear consolidation in the former Soviet Union, how and why South Africa secretly built and then destroyed a small nuclear arsenal, and how Jimmy Carter's private diplomacy prevented another Korean War.

We also see how the present day represents a nuclear turning point and what hope exists for our future. Rhodes assesses the emerging threat of nuclear terrorism and offers advice on how our complicated relationships with North Korea and South Asia should evolve. Finally, he imagines what a post-nuclear world might look like, suggesting what might make it possible.

Powerful and persuasive, The Twilight of the Bombs is an essential work of contemporary history.

What the Critics Say

"Absorbing . . . Rhodes makes the technical issues lucid and accessible, and the tale also has intrigue and suspense, heroes (Jimmy Carter) and villains (the Bush administration). It's a story of deceit, corrupt politics, and diplomatic half-measures, but also of improbable outbreaks of common sense and far-sightedness....Rhodes shows us the heartening spectacle of humanity slowly turning away from the abyss." (Publishers Weekly)

"Since the publication of The Making of the Atomic Bomb...Rhodes has owned the story of nuclear weapons.... [The Twilight of the Bombs is] a skillful assessment of the transformation of nuclear weapons from the so-called guardians of our security during the Cold War to the burden and catastrophic threat they pose today....Informed and eloquent." (Kirkus)

I started with his first book, "The Making of the Atomic Bomb", which earned Rhodes a Pulitzer. It's still my favorite, but the entire series comprises a mini-education in history, diplomacy, science, war, politics, human nature, and a touch of philosophy. Rhodes' gift is his ability to tackle very complex topics across multiple domains to tell compelling stories, lucidly, authoritatively, and concisely. His objectivity and clarity are important elements in his writing of history. If you're interested in history, science, nuclear power, poly-sci, WW-II, start with "The Making of the Atomic Bomb" and go through the series. You'll feel like you took a graduate course in several subjects.

If you want an update on the state of affairs in nuclear weapons, terrorism, post-Cold-War politics, Iraq, Iran, N. Korea, the book offers plenty. I particularly value the stories behind the scenes of how dedicated professionals, civil servants, and a former president made the world a safer place, without fanfare. These people deserve to be recognized. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in these topics, but, if you're not, it will bore you...just being honest. Even if you are interested, there's some rough going with an alphabet soup of treaties & organizations. The book is scholarly, after all. While it stands on its own, it's also the culmination of serious work accomplished in his three prior books.

Rhodes has taken tons of raw sensitive data & material from around the world and, like the processes used in nuclear enrichment, he produced highly enriched intellectual material, suitable for a long slow burn or a flash of enlightenment. (sorry :-) I recommend starting with, "The Making of the Atomic Bomb", but if you want to go to the present, you won't be disappointed.

Richard Rhodes has accomplished more than writing good history. He has contributed much needed understanding and opportunities for dialogue. He has also now become part of the story.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

jeffrey

carson, nm, United States

17/01/11

Overall

"The power of the gods...."

Before I read this book, I want to say that The Making of the Atomic Bomb is the book you must read. It is unabridged here with a different context/spin. I found myself with this book last winter and could not put it down......the depth of what went on in Los alamos and in Chicago and in dc is mind boggling....who were the people working on this program and what we their thoughts on atomic energy...so, you did not get a review of the book in question yet, and after I have listened, I'll return here for another review. The book downloads in two parts, so it will be a while. If you are new to this, please try to find The Making of the Atomic Bomb.....your understanding of the world in crisis will jump one thousand percent......

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Konstantinos

brisbane, Australia

19/03/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"4th is a charm for Richard Rhodes !!!"

If you could sum up The Twilight of the Bombs in three words, what would they be?

Informative, great story telling with footnotes n Robertson Dean makes it interesting with military like use of word........ just as inside delta force.

Pros1. Great details on dying empire fmr USSR 2. Correct 110% on US State dept affairs says something else does the other way

What did you like best about this story?

role of James Baker

What about Robertson Dean’s performance did you like?

9/10

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I already most from reading classified n unclassified docs within state dept n cia DO n DI due to security access as senior operations officer counter intelligence said to say our country has turned into a police state n democracy is just a front.

Any additional comments?

awesome closing from birth of atoms bombs to peace times 2012.....

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Milford Cubicle

Seattle, WA

02/05/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Another excellent book by Richard Rhodes"

This is the final book in Rhodes' series of 4 books about nuclear arms development, history and policy. I've enjoyed each one - learning new elements of history, people and politics involved in what must be one of the most frightening developments of the 20th century.

Rhodes' research and insight is excellent as always and Robertson Dean's narration is excellent - Clarity, pace and pronunciation are flawless. After listening to a few books narrated by R. Dean I now seek out more, finding his narration superior to many others I've heard.

Highly recommended.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

United States

06/04/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"holy hell"

this is not exactly what I was expecting, but it was an excellent book. I highly recommend it. it is very relevant to what is going on right now.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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